Activity guard

ABSTRACT

A fluid infusion system including a pocketable pump housing with a reservoir cavity with helical coupling features. The system further has a reservoir with an open end that is removable from the reservoir cavity. A removable cap coupled to the housing is also included in the system. The cap has corresponding coupling features, an exterior surface and a tab. The corresponding coupling features couple the cap to the housing while the tab is a ridge that extends away from the exterior surface. The tab has a port to accommodate flow from the reservoir and the port defines an axis of rotation such that torque applied to the tab about the axis of rotation disengages the coupling between the cap and the housing. The system further has a removably coupled guard with a slot defined to immobilize rotation of the tab about the axis of rotation.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention relate to diabetes management systems and,more particularly, to securing a fluid reservoir within a portableinfusion device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Infusion devices and glucose monitoring systems are relatively wellknown in the medical arts, particularly for use monitoring blood glucoselevels and delivering or dispensing a prescribed medication to a user.In many cases, the user suffers from diabetes—a disease in which thebody does not produce or properly use insulin. Approximately 13 millionpeople in the United States have been diagnosed with some form ofdiabetes. Type 1 diabetes results from the body's failure to produceinsulin. Type 2 diabetes results from insulin resistance in which thebody fails to properly use insulin. In order to effectively manageand/or control the disease, diabetics must closely monitor and managetheir blood glucose levels through exercise, diet and medications inaddition to supplying their body with appropriate amounts of insulinbased on daily routines. In particular, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabeticsrely on insulin delivery and blood glucose monitoring systems to controldiabetes.

External infusion devices have been used to deliver medication to apatient as generally described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,562,751; 4,678,408;4,685,903; 6,554,798, and 6,551,276 which are specifically incorporatedby reference herein. In recent years, continuous glucose monitoringsystems have been developed utilizing the latest sensor technologiesincorporating both implantable and external sensors, as generallydescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,391,250 entitled “Method of FabricatingThin Film Sensors”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,046 entitled “ElectrochemicalAnalyte Sensor,” and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,390,671, 5,568,806 and 5,586,553,entitled “Transcutaneous Sensor Insertion Set,” all of which arespecifically incorporated by reference herein. Newer systems deliver thepreciseness of finger stick measurements coupled with the convenience ofnot having to repeatedly prick the skin to obtain glucose measurements.These newer systems provide the equivalent of over 200 finger stickreadings per day. Additionally, continuous glucose monitoring systemsallow physicians and patients to monitor blood glucose trends of theirbody and suggest and deliver insulin based on each patient's particularneeds. Accordingly, physicians and medical device companies are alwayssearching for more convenient ways to keep diabetic patients aware oftheir blood glucose levels throughout the day.

Diabetic patients utilizing infusion therapy and continuous glucosemonitoring systems depend on extremely precise and accurate systems toassure appropriate blood glucose readings and insulin delivery amounts.Furthermore, as younger diabetic patients and diabetic patients withactive lifestyles embrace infusion therapy it is imperative to ensurethe infusion devices and sensors are robust and reliable.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one embodiment a fluid infusion system is disclosed. The fluidinfusion system includes a pump housing that has a reservoir cavity andis designed to be pocketable. The reservoir cavity has a rim and helicalcoupling features formed on an interior face of the reservoir cavity.The fluid infusion system further has a reservoir that is removable fromthe reservoir cavity and the reservoir also has an open end. A removablecap coupled to the pump housing is also included in the fluid infusionsystem. The cap has corresponding coupling features, an exterior surfaceand a tab. The corresponding coupling features are defined to couple thecap to the pump housing while the tab is defined as a ridge that extendsaway from the exterior surface. The tab further has a port toaccommodate fluid flow from the reservoir where the port defines an axisof rotation such that torque applied to the tab about the axis ofrotation disengages the coupling between the cap and the pump housing.Further included in the infusion system is a guard that is removablycoupled to the pump housing. The guard has a slot defined to immobilizerotation of the tab about the axis of rotation.

In another embodiment a system to retain a fluid medication reservoirwithin a medication pump housing is disclosed. The system includes apump housing that is pocketable having a reservoir cavity that has a rimand helical coupling features. The helical coupling features formed onan interior face of the reservoir cavity and having a dimple formed onthe rim. The system further includes a reservoir that has an open endand is removable from the reservoir cavity. A cap that is removablycoupled to the pump housing is also included in the system. The cap hascorresponding coupling features, an exterior surface, and a tab. Thecorresponding coupling features are defined to couple the cap to thepump housing, and include a snap defined on an edge of the cap thatremovably interfaces with the dimple on the pump housing. The tab isdefined as a ridge that extends away from the exterior surface and thetab has a port to accommodate fluid flow from the reservoir. The portthrough the tab defines an axis of rotation such that torque applied tothe tab about the axis of rotation disengages the coupling between thecap and the pump housing. The system further includes a guard that isremovably coupled to the pump housing. The guard has a slot that isdefined to immobilize rotation of the tab about the axis of rotation.Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, variousfeatures of embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of embodiments of the invention will be made withreference to the accompanying drawings, where like numerals designatecorresponding parts or cross-sections in the several figures.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary illustration of a fluid infusion system thatincludes a pump, an insertion set and a sensor, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are exemplary perspective views of a portion of the pumphousing, with guard installed and removed respectively, in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2C is a top view illustration of a portion of the pump housing witha guard installed over the cap, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pump illustrating features on thepump housing that are engaged by the guard, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are close-up perspective views illustrating features ofthe pump housing and the guard, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 5A-5D are additional views of the pump housing and the guard, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are exemplary perspective illustration showing featuresthat prevent the guard from being installed onto the pump in a reverseorientation, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is an exemplary illustration of a fluid infusion system 10 thatincludes a pump 100, an insertion set 106 and a sensor 112, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. Mechanical,electrical and software elements of the pump 100 are contained within apump housing 110. The pump includes a reservoir 104 that is removablefrom a reservoir cavity within the pump housing 110. The reservoir 104may be filled with a fluid that can be dispensed from the pump 100 tothe insertion set 106 via tubing 108. A cap 102 interfaces with both thepump 100 and the reservoir 104 to connect the tubing 108 with thereservoir 104.

The sensor 112 is an assembly that includes a subcutaneous sensor, apower supply and a radio to transmit data acquired by the sensor to thepump 100. The pump 100 is configured and programmed to be in wirelesscommunication with the sensor 112. For additional information regardingthe pump 100 see U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,798 by Mann et al., for additionalinformation regarding the connection between the reservoir 104 and theinsertion set 106 see U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,695 by Adair et al.,furthermore, for additional information regarding the sensor 112 seeU.S. Pat. No. 5,568,806 by Cheney et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,045 byHolker et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 7,003,336 by Holker et al., all ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein. For additional informationregarding the use the sensor 112 with a monitor or pump, please see U.S.Pat. No. 6,809,653 by Mann et al. which is incorporated by referenceherein.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are exemplary perspective views of a portion of the pumphousing 110, with guard 200 installed and removed respectively, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. The guard 200interfaces with features on the pump housing 110 and the cap 102. Thecap 102 has an exterior surface 206 and a tab 202. In one embodiment thetab 202 is defined as a ridge that extends away from the exteriorsurface 206. The tab 202 includes a port 204 that can accommodate tubing(not shown). A user can grasp the tab 202 in order to apply a torque tothe cap 102 in order to remove the cap 102 and attached reservoir fromthe pump housing 110. The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2Bshould not be construed as limiting.

As will be described in more detail in the description of FIG. 3, thepump housing 110 has a rim 208 that includes and enables features thatinterface with the guard 200. In one embodiment, the rim 208 of the pumphousing 110 is formed from a separate part that is mated and permanentlyaffixed to the pump housing 110. Methods of permanently affixing the rim208 to the pump housing 208 include, but are not limited to the use ofinsert molding, ultrasonic welding, adhesives or the combinationthereof. In other embodiments, the rim 208 and associated features arecreated during the forming of a one-piece pump housing. Regardless ofthe whether the rim 208 is formed or installed, the pump housing 110includes a rim 208 that facilitates the installation and retention ofthe guard 200.

FIG. 2C is a top view illustration of a portion of the pump housing 110with a guard 200 installed over the cap 102, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the guard 200includes arms 210 a and 210 b that are connected. Defined between thearms 210 a and 210 b is a slot 212. As illustrated, when the cap 102 ininstalled on the pump housing 110 and a guard 200 in placed over the cap102, the slot 212 captures the tab 202 to prevent rotation of the tab202.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pump 100 illustrating features onthe pump housing 110 that are engaged by the guard (not shown), inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated,features on the pump housing 110 that are engaged by the guard include,but are not limited to, a rib 300, a nub 302 a, and detents 304 a and304 d. In one embodiment the nub 302 a is formed entirely on the rim208. Conversely, the rib 300 can be formed when the rim 208 ispermanently affixed to the case housing 110. Likewise, detents 304 a and304 d can also be formed when the rim 208 is affixed to the pump housing110. Additional features on the pump housing 110 will be discussed belowwhen the various views of the pump housing 110 reveal the differentfeatures.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are close-up perspective views illustrating features ofthe pump housing 110 and the guard 200, in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention. Arms 210 a and 210 b terminate away from thejoint with snaps 400 a (not shown) and 400 b respectively. Each snap 400a and 400 b have a corresponding detent 304 a and 304 b (not shown)formed on the case housing 110. Additionally, snap 400 d is formed onarm 210 a near the joint between arms 210 a and 210 b. Similarly, thoughnot shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, snap 400 c is formed on arm 210 b. Aspreviously discussed, the detents 304 a and 304 b can be formed duringthe fabrication of the case housing 110 or when the rim 208 is affixedto the case housing. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4B thesnap 400 d has a tapered face 402. While not shown, a corresponding snap400 c located on arm 210 b can also include a tapered face. The use ofthe tapered face 402 facilitates the installation of the guard 200 ontothe case housing 110. Specifically, the tapered face 402 enables the useof a lower amount of force necessary to pass snap 400 d over the rim 208in order to engage an corresponding detent.

FIGS. 5A-5D are additional views of the pump housing 110 and the guard200, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5A isa profile view of the arm 210 a and illustrates how detent 304 a isengaged by a snap on the terminated arm 210 a. Likewise, snap 400 c isshown engaged in detent 306 a. Also visible in FIG. 5A is the profilecontour of face 500. The contour of face 500 in conjunction with theplacement of snaps 400 c enables the repeated removal of guard 200 fromthe pump housing 110. The face 500 allows user to apply an upward forcethat can disengage snap 400 c and 400 d (not shown) from detent 306 aand 306 b (not shown).

FIGS. 5B and 5C are exemplary illustrations where the guard 200 has beenmade translucent in order to show how the guard 200 interfaces with thepump housing 110, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. As FIG. 5B illustrates the arm 210 b side of the pump housing110, snap 400 c and detent 306 b are visible. FIGS. 5B and 5C alsoillustrate how the guard 200 includes a recess 502 that interfaces withthe rib 300 of the pump housing 110. The recess 502 and the rib 300 workin conjunction with the slot 212 (FIG. 2C) to allow the guard to resisttorque applied to the tab 202. The use of both the slot and the rib 300to prevent rotation of the tab 202 is merely one embodiment. In otherembodiments only the slot formed between arms 210 a and 210 b may beused to counteract rotation of the tab. Similarly, in anotherembodiment, only the rib 300 and recess 502 may be used to lock the tab202 by preventing rotation. Likewise, additional features can be used toimmobilize rotation of the tab in furtherance of either the slot and therib.

FIGS. 5C and 5D provide an exemplary illustration of the removal of theguard 200 from the pump housing 110, in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention. In one embodiment to avoid inadvertent removal,the guard 200 is securely attached to the pump housing 110 and requirestwo steps to remove the guard 200. To initiate removal of the guard 200,a force F₁ is applied to both arms 210 a and 210 b, as illustrated inFIGS. 5C and 5D. Application of force F₁ causes the arms 210 a and 210be spread. Force F₁ further pushes the guard 200 toward the rib 300.FIG. 5D illustrates the second step to remove the guard 200, theapplication of force F₂ on face 500 (FIG. 5A). The application of forceF₁ can help disengage snap 400 c (FIG. 5B) and snap 400 d (FIG. 4A) thusallowing force F₂ to remove the guard 200 from the pump housing 110. Asthe guard 200 can be installed to prevent children from accidentallyremoving the cap 102, a two step method (the application of F₁ and F₂)can make it more difficult for children to remove the guard 200. If F₂is not applied after application of F₁ the geometry of the legs is suchthat the Guard reseats itself.

While it may be beneficial in some instances to have a two step removalprocess, it should not be construed as required. In other embodiments, aone step removal process may be used while in other embodiments three ormore steps may be desired to ensure the guard is difficult to remove.Additionally, for two step removal, the steps outline above should notbe considered restrictive as other embodiments of the guard 200 may usea different combination of forces other than F₁ and F₂.

FIG. 5C further provides an illustration of additional retentionfeatures on both the pump housing 110 and the cap 102, in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention. The cap 200 includes snaps504 a and 504 b that are formed on an outer edge of the cap 200.Included on an interior face of the rim 208 are dimples 506 a and 506 bthat correspond to the snaps 504 a and 504 b. While FIG. 5C illustratesthe use of two snaps 504 a and 504 b, other embodiments can use fewer ormore snaps. Furthermore, while the snaps 504 a and 504 b are illustratedsubstantially opposite of each other, other configurations could be usedto incorporate fewer or greater number of snaps. For example, snapconfigurations could include, but are not limited to three equallyspaced snaps, four equally spaced snaps, and even a single snap. Stillother snap configuration could include snaps that are not equallyspaced. In embodiments were the cap 102 utilizes fewer or more snapsthat illustrated in FIG. 5C, the rim would have a corresponding numberof dimples to accommodate the snaps on the cap.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are exemplary perspective illustration showing featuresthat prevent the guard 200 from being installed onto the pump 100 in areverse orientation, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. In FIG. 6A the guard 200 is shown in a reverse orientationsuch that the rib 300 is not aligned with the recess 502 (FIG. 5C) ofthe guard 200. Nubs 302 a and 302 b are included on the rim 208 toprevent installation of the guard 200 in this orientation. The nubs 302a and 302 b are designed to interfere with the guard 200 and prevent theguard 200 from snapping onto the pump housing 110. In other embodiments,the nubs 302 a and 302 b are replaced with a rib that extends thesurface of the rim 208 to a height equivalent to the nubs 302 a and 302b. FIG. 6B is an exemplary illustration showing how the termination ofarms 210 a and 210 b create an interference 600 with the pump housing110 in order to prevent the guard 200 from being installed in thereverse orientation.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of thepresent invention, it will be understood that many modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claimsare intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the truescope and spirit of the present invention.

The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered inall respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of theinvention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than theforegoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embracedtherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus to prevent removal of a reservoirassembly from a fluid infusion housing, comprising: a first arm; asecond arm coupled to the first arm, wherein at least one of the firstarm or the second arm further includes a snap disposed on an endopposite a hinge, and wherein the snap couples with a detent formed onthe fluid infusion housing; and a lock feature between the first and thesecond arm, the lock feature defined to accommodate a reservoir assemblyfeature, wherein the lock feature restricts movement of the reservoirassembly feature when the apparatus is placed onto the reservoirassembly.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reservoirassembly includes a reservoir and a cap.
 3. An apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the coupling between the first arm and the second armis a hinge.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the lockfeature is a slot.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein themovement of the reservoir assembly feature restricted by the apparatusis rotational movement.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 2, whereinthe reservoir assembly feature is formed on the cap.
 7. An apparatusaccording to claim 6, wherein the reservoir assembly feature is a tab.8. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the slot includesadditional features to accommodate the reservoir assembly feature.
 9. Anapparatus according to claim 3, further including: a recess formed inthe hinge, the recess accommodating a corresponding rib formed on thefluid infusion system.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein akeying rib prevents the apparatus from being installed in a reverseorientation.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arms aredefined to prevent installation of the guard on the pump housing in areverse orientation.
 12. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein lockfeature prevents rotation of the tab.